Doom III - the plot thickens

ATI TOLD THE INQUIRER moments ago that it could not rule out the possibility that the leaked demo of outlandish gore-fest, Doom III, came from within its walls.

The company has mounted an internal investigation into the matter, PR manager Patricia Mikula told The INQUIRER. She said an investigation was a prudent move and suggested other of id Software's partners would responsibly do the same thing.

"I don't think anyone can be certain it didn't come from them," she said. Mikula said she had "no idea" whether a staff member having been found to have leaked the demo would face disciplinary action. That would be someone else's descision, she said.

Meanwhile, yesterday, for various reasons, we began to doubt our deep-throated source who claimed to be at id Software in Texas. But today we're not so sure. A heart-felt missive landed in our inbox, from the claimed insider named Doom, apologizing for his "grammer skills" but maintaining the integrity of his information.

His tale involves conspiracy between a couple of websites who, he says, have more than just the Doom III demo up their sleeves.

Untraceable, our source remains dubious. We need more information, if you please, sir.

What we do know for certain is that ATi, having been accused of leaking the demo, earlier declared it takes non-disclosure agreements very seriously.

And, if it ever doubted it, Doom-maker, id Software, knows now that its game is not only big. It'll be massive. And it'll be credited with dragging an entire industry out of the quagmire. Still, the grumbling and mumblings surround it. Both sources for the allegations that ATi leaked the demo are purported unofficial id 'spokesmen'.

It remains to be seen what the official line is. µ

See also:
Doom III leak sparks witch hunt for mole
ATi did leak Doom III demo
Doomgate: the trail's still warm
Doomed: Letters III